For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to have an ideal physique - been flexing in every mirror that I've come across since I was about five. I've always looked up to Arnold; his work ethic and dedication were unparalleled, and his stunning physique captivated me since day one. However, the two men that really got me involved in lifting were Mr. Smay and Mr. Shipman. Mr. Smay was my 6th grade teacher, the school's power-lifting coach, and was your standard "powerlifter". Mr. Shipman was a classmate's aid, and, being a college basketball player and avid weight lifter, he resembled a modern-day Hercules. At my school, students had to be in 7th grade before they were allowed to use the field house. So Mr. Smay and Mr. Shipman got me started with the basics: eating a lot of healthy food, getting a good night's sleep, and doing a lot of bodyweight exercises. Once I reached 7th grade, I was able to workout everyday under the guidance and instruction of Mr. Smay, and our other weightlifting coach, Mr. Beyer. That's how I got started with weightlifting and I haven't looked back since!

Working out has hands down been the greatest decision that I have ever made. There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than leaving the gym after a demanding workout, knowing that I gave my all, knowing that it's a better me walking out of the gym, than the me that walked in. It is the greatest sport in the world because it teaches responsibility, self-control, self-motivation, and standards. It is your responsibility to succeed and it is your fault if you fail. You control what goes into your body, you control when you go to the gym, and you control the effort that you exert. It is you, who must find the motivation for each training session, exercise, set, and rep. The lessons you learn in the gym stick with you in the real world, and, everything is now judged on a higher standard. You won't date the guy/girl in line at McDonalds simply because they "ain't about this life". You won't understand when someone says "I can't", because you only say "I can". You shake your head every time someone says that they "can't find time for the gym", because that's a line of bull****; you don't find time, you make time, because being fit has now become a priority, a way of LIFE. You can't stand complaints and excuses, because, when things get tough, you strap up and go to work - it is a challenge, and you f*cking welcome challenges. You don't back down to anyone in life, because you don't back down to any weight in the gym. This is your life and you only get one shot...might as well do it big.